Snowy Wonders of Almaty Private Tour

Almaty is Kazakhstan’s largest city and a major cultural, business, and tourism center. It is the country’s former capital and remains one of its most important cities. Located at the foot of the Ile Alatau mountains, Almaty combines a lively urban atmosphere with easy access to spectacular mountain landscapes. In just 20 minutes by car from the city center, you can reach pine-covered mountain slopes. Almaty is an ideal starting point for exploring the cultural heritage and diverse landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan. 

The Museum of Almaty is an engaging museum equipped with multimedia resources. It will fascinate you with its extensive collections and a diverse array of ancient exhibits. It offers a brief yet thorough journey through the history of the region, spanning from the Silk Road to the present day.

The Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen commemorates the heroic act of 28 soldiers during World War II, specifically the Battle of Moscow. These soldiers, part of the 316th Rifle Division and led by Major Ivan Panfilov, valiantly defended their position against an overwhelmingly superior enemy force. Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, they held their ground for 36 hours, fighting until they expended their last bullet and took their last breath.

Established in 1868, the Green Bazaar stands as one of Almaty's oldest markets. It continues to enjoy popularity, reminiscent of its late 19th-century status, and features a diverse selection of traditional Kazakhstani items and products. Notably, the market is renowned for offering the famous Almaty Aport apple. Travel tip: Most market purchases are made in cash using the local currency, the Kazakhstani tenge.

Republic Square, located in the heart of the city, is surrounded by monumental buildings, fountains, and landscaped areas. It has long been a venue for major public celebrations, cultural events, and official ceremonies.

At its center stands the Independence Monument, one of Almaty’s most recognizable landmarks. The square is also closely connected with Kazakhstan’s modern history and national identity.

Kok-Tobe Hill stands at an elevation of 1130 meters (3707 ft) above sea level. The summit can be reached via a winding road or a cable car, starting from the Palace of the Republic. At the hilltop, stands the renowned 372-meter TV tower, a distinctive symbol of the city and its tallest structure. Additionally, the Kok-Tobe Park awaits, providing the opportunity to revel in a spectacular city panorama from the dedicated observation deck, toss a coin into the apple-shaped fountain, pose with the Beatles monument, and peruse a shop featuring national souvenirs.

Oi-Qaragai is a mountain resort located in the picturesque foothills of the Ile Alatau Mountains, about an hour's drive from Almaty. Surrounded by pine forests and mountain landscapes, the resort is a popular destination for outdoor activities and relaxation throughout the year.

Visitors can enjoy cable car rides, horseback riding, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities. In winter, Oi-Qaragai also attracts visitors with its snowy landscapes and opportunities for winter recreation.

Perched at an elevation of 1690 meters (5545 ft) above sea level, the Medeu Skating Rink claims the title of the world's highest mountain skating rink, boasting the largest artificial ice field covering 10.5 thousand square meters. Embraced by majestic mountains and benefiting from the pristine mountain water used for ice, this rink has set the stage for more than 200 world records in speed skating. Widely recognized as the "factory of records," the Medeu Skating Rink is not limited to athletes; it extends a warm welcome to all skating enthusiasts. Adjacent to the rink is a mudflow protection dam, accessible via the "Health Ladder," a staircase comprising 842 steps.

Nestled in the scenic gorge of the Ile Alatau Mountains, Shymbulak Ski Resort is just a 15-minute drive from the heart of Almaty. Established in 1954, it served as a training base for Soviet skiers from the mid-1950s onward, hosting championships of the USSR and Kazakhstan on its slopes. The resort comprises three levels, with the highest situated at an impressive altitude of 3200 meters above sea level.

Charyn Canyon bears a resemblance to the Grand Canyon in the USA, albeit on a smaller scale. The steep canyon slopes reach heights of 150-300 meters (500-1000 ft), and what truly stands out is the remarkable dissection of the terrain – a dense, chaotic network of numerous ravines. Particularly captivating is the Valley of Castles, where the wind and water have sculpted walls resembling castles and towers. This valley showcases nature's unique architectural prowess, crafting magnificent structures over millions of years. Walking amid these towers and columns, you can marvel at the wild imagination of nature for hours.

The city's history goes back to ancient settlements along the Silk Road. Modern Almaty began to develop in the 19th century as the Russian military settlement of Verny. The city grew rapidly during the Soviet period and became the capital of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic in 1929. After Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991, Almaty remained the country’s capital until 1997, when the capital was moved to Astana.

Almaty is often called the city of apples and mountains. The region around the city is considered one of the centers of origin of the wild apple, and the name Almaty is associated with apples.